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Scuba diving is an art of diving underwater. The divers use an underwater breathing apparatus called scuba which helps in breathing underwater. This differs from other types of diving, like breath hold or breathing supplied from the surface. The scuba divers carry their own source of breathing gas which allows them greater freedom of movement.

The following is a list of equipment used for scuba diving:

Breathing Gear

This equipment is used by the divers to help them to breathe underwater. It is carried by the diver himself underwater. There are two types of masks half mask and full face mask. The recreational divers use half-mask which covers the diver’s eyes and nose, and a mouthpiece to supply the breathing gas from the re-breather. Professional scuba divers use the full face mask, which also protects the diver’s airway, if the diver loses his/her consciousness.

Open-Circuit Scuba

Open circuit scuba has no provision for using breathing gas more than once for respiration. The gas inhaled is exhaled to the environment or to another equipment to increase the buoyancy. The breathing gas is provided from a diving cylinder through a scuba regulator.

Re-breather

Re-breather vents off all exhaled gases for reuse by removing the carbon dioxide. Re-breather releases no gas bubbles into the water. It is more expensive and complex than open-circuit scuba.

Gas Mixtures

The gas mixture other than the normal atmospheric air can be used as long as the diver is used to it. The most common usually used gas mixture is nitrox.

The Propulsion Vehicle

Personal mobility can be enhanced by fins. These fins have a large blade area which is more efficient for propulsion and manoeuvring thrust than arm and hand movement.

The Buoyancy Control Device

This device gives you the opportunity to have complete control of your movement underwater. In this way, you can have any position underwater comfortably.

Diving Mask and Diving Lights

The diving mask provides air space in front of the diver’s eyes. The artificial light is used to provide light in the darkness.

Dry and Wet Suits

To prevent heat loss in the cold water can be prevented by wetsuits and dry suits. These suits also protect you from sunburns, abrasions and stings of the marine organisms.

Underwater Navigation and Monitoring

To avoid the decompression sickness, the depth and shallowness of the water must be known by the diver. Initially, it was done by using a depth gauge and a diving watch but nowadays it is done with the dive computers.

Boating is a fast-growing sport. Each year, more young skippers pilot their craft on fresh-water lakes and rivers and inlets at the ocean’s edge.

Boating Activities You Can Try

Swimming – People swim from all types of boats. But prior to swimming, the boat must be moored to a pier or perhaps lying at anchor. Do not forget to stop the motor. It must have a boarding ladder placed at either side so swimmers can climb back into it.

Fishing – This is the most popular activity for most boaters. Most fishing from small boats is done with light poles and lines and small reels. Stop it and cast out the bait into the water. As for deep-sea fishing, this entails big boats and heavy fishing tackle. A boat with a piloting platform at the top is often used to fish for large fishes such as sailfish and marlin.

Camping - This is another great activity that owners can enjoy. Even a small boat can carry the tent, portable stove, sleeping bags, and supply of food that will make an enjoyable, satisfying trip.

Powerboat Racing - This is a specialized boating activity that often requires special boats and motors. Racing boats are classified based on size and motor type. Though racing will require expert boating skills, newbies can still join just to have fun. They can use their boats for nature studies, exploring, for photography and for just being on the water.

Some Safety Rules For Boating

Learn to swim. If you cannot swim, you must wear a life jacket.

Do not overload your boat.

Do not go boating all by yourself.

Do not sail during bad weather or when a storm is forecasted. Beginners must always stay close to shore.

Sit quietly when boating. While aboard a boat, you must not scuffle. And when the water is rough or perhaps the boat is in deep water, avoid changing seats.

Even if you are an excellent swimmer, do not attempt to swim ashore from an over-turned boat. You have to hold on to the boat and wait for help to arrive.

To avoid slipping, wear rubber-soled shoes or sneakers. You should also wear a hat to protect yourself from the damaging rays of the sun.

Always test for rocks, depths and weeds before diving off a boat into strange water.

Be aware of the rules of boating because not knowing such means disaster.